Community projects across New Zealand get a funding boost

Community projects have been given a $376,875 boost from the latest round of funding from Transpower’s CommunityCare Fund.

Transpower’s Stakeholder Engagement Manager, Geoff Wishart says it is important for Transpower to support community initiatives as part of the company’s values.

“We are pleased to support these not for profit community groups with some financial assistance,” he said. “They play important roles within communities and make such a difference to people.”

Projects supported by the CommunityCare Fund are diverse in nature and generally spread around the country. “Transpower works in communities around the country, from small rural areas to urban suburbs,” said Wishart. “The CommunityCare Fund gives our staff an opportunity to be more involved in the local community.”

The CommunityCare Fund has two funding rounds per year. In the latest round of funding the CommunityCare Fund assisted 15 community organisations, including:

North of Auckland

Kaiwaka Sports Association – $35,000 to build the Kaiwaka Fitness Trail, a trail with exercise equipment to enhance the Kaiwaka Sports Complex and to improve the health and wellbeing of the community.

Waipu Cycle and Walkway Group – $25,000 to build stage two of the Waipu Cycle and Walkway from Waipu Cove to Waipu village.

Auckland area

YMCA Auckland – $50,000 to replace the 65-year old Camp Adair dining hall. The very busy Camp Adair is a community camp with adventure based learning programmes.

Auckland Asthma – $25,000 to purchase a vehicle for Mobile Asthma Nurse Educators to provide a free education service in schools, homes, work places, community groups and maraes.

Bairds Mainfreight Primary School – $25,000 for new uniforms for the school’s kapa haka group.

Cochlear Implant Foundation of New Zealand – $20,000 to purchase specialist equipment for the Hearing House, a place where deaf and hearing impaired children with cochlear implants and hearing aids can explore and develop their sensory skills.

The Forest Bridge Trust – $25,560 to purchase pest control equipment for landowners to target pest control in the northern Hoteo area.

Mauku School – $50,000 to upgrade the school’s swimming pool and facilities.

Whanganui and Horowhenua Districts

Whanganui Netball – $15,000 for an upgrade of facilities to meet health and safety requirements.

Manukau School – $22,000 to purchase play equipment for the school’s new adventure playground.

Wildlife Foxton Trust – $20,000 to build an aquarium for native fish at a new education and tourism facility, dedicated to the preservation of local wildlife.

Anglican Methodist Parish of Otaki – $7,315 for new kitchen appliances for Hadfield Hall, the parish hall that is widely used by the community.

Wellington region

Predator Free Brooklyn – $20,000 to fund traps for residents of Brooklyn, Kingston, Mornington and Vogeltown with the goal of Brooklyn becoming the next predator free suburb in Wellington.

Ngaio Scout Group – $30,000 for the renovation and modernisation of Ngaio Scout Hall for scouting and community use.

The CommunityCare Fund was established in 2007 to assist communities affected by Transpower’s projects and assets, with projects that add real value and benefit to communities. It has two funding rounds per year, in January and July, the next funding round closes 31 July this year, with expressions of interest required by the end of this month.